Social workers changing unions

Friday

Franklin County Children Services workers have voted overwhelmingly to change their union representation, the State Employment Relations Board reported yesterday.

Franklin County Children Services workers have voted overwhelmingly to change their union representation, the State Employment Relations Board reported yesterday.

By a vote of 369-7, members elected to align with the Ohio Federation of Teachers, which is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers. The agency's 500 union employees have been with the Professionals Guild of Ohio.

As long as no formal objections are filed, the election likely will be certified March 20, state officials said.

A three-year labor agreement between the county and Children Services employees expired about a month ago. Beth Earl, a social worker and the membership's elected leader, said members plan to choose officers soon after the certification and then begin contract negotiations.

The most recent contract was ratified in 2005, after an 18-day strike.

"We're very hopeful that things will be smooth this time," Earl said.

-- Rita Price

rprice@dispatch.com

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